Tinuke Eboka’s bold new brand, akobe, taking South African street style to new heights
Tinuke Eboka, known to many as Tinx, is more than just a South African-Nigerian designer. She’s a force. A DJ, digital content creator, and creative director who’s already made waves in the fashion world.
From her beginnings in Cape Town to a multifaceted career spanning countries and industries, Eboka’s latest venture, akobe, promises to redefine streetwear and cultural influence on her own terms.
With a wealth of experience under her belt—having worked with iconic names like Telfar, Thebe Magugu, adidas, and Levi’s—Eboka’s rise as a creative powerhouse has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Her journey from Cape Town to London, Italy, and beyond is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Cape Town, a Master’s in Fashion Marketing from Polimoda in Italy, and a range of other qualifications, she’s worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, tapping into everything from fashion journalism to creative consultancy.
Now, Eboka is carving out her own space with akobe, a streetwear brand that embodies her dynamic identity. The name itself is a creative twist on her surname—akobe is her last name reversed, symbolizing a fresh start and a bold reimagination of herself and her work.
And make no mistake, this isn’t just another fashion label, akobe is a statement—a celebration of music, culture, and inclusivity, with a particular nod to Johannesburg’s vibrant underground scene.
Eboka describes akobe as the culmination of everything she’s done in her career so far. “Fashion is a blend of music, culture, film, and everyday life—it’s the origin of influence,” she says, highlighting the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the city’s streets and its people.
akobe celebrates the authentic, the gritty, and the bold—paying homage to Johannesburg’s underground culture while giving a voice to marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community that so often inspires her designs.
For Eboka, the concept of street style has always been something more than a fleeting trend. “We’ve seen street style take over globally, but the origins of it—the streets—are often forgotten.
“akobe aims to change that. It’s about breaking barriers, celebrating authenticity, and making fashion inclusive,” she explains. In a world where fashion often feels exclusive, akobe promises to be for everyone, encouraging wearers to embrace their true selves, no matter their background or identity.
Already, the brand has garnered attention from some of South Africa’s most notable figures, including DJ DBN Gogo and influencer Lelowhatsgood. It’s clear that akobe’s appeal is far-reaching, with a unique blend of cultural relevance and cutting-edge style.
A Life Shaped by Diversity
Eboka’s upbringing in Cape Town has had a significant impact on her design perspective. “I grew up in a very diverse suburb, and by the time I was a teenager, I had experienced all walks of South African life—across race, class, and culture,” she shares.
But it wasn’t always easy. Growing up feeling like an outsider with her colourful upbringing, Eboka now relishes her unique perspective. “It shows in my brand and personal style. I’m obsessed with contradictions and juxtapositions,” she says.
This is evident in her work—like her first editorial, where she posed the question, “What if we shot a fashion collection in a waste dump?” or “What if we dressed black kids up as punks?” For Eboka, it’s all about challenging expectations and redefining norms.
Her Nigerian-South African heritage, too, is a source of inspiration. The duality of belonging to two African giants that are often at odds drives her. “I feel a powerful motivation to show what can happen when these two nations come together,” she says, proving that her diverse background fuels her creative ambition.
Global Experience, Local Impact
Studying across the world—Italy, France, and the UK—has shaped Eboka’s design aesthetic. “Studying abroad gave me the technical insight into how the fashion industry works at its highest level,” she notes.
But despite opportunities to stay abroad, she chose to return to South Africa, recognizing the unique gaps she could fill in the local fashion landscape. “It was important to bring my energy and education back home,” she says, firmly grounding herself in her roots.
Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, Eboka’s professional journey has been marked by defining moments. “Opening for Black Coffee at Thebe Magugu’s anniversary party was iconic,” she recalls, noting the perfect blend of her passions for fashion and music.
“Sharing the stage at Rocking the Daisies with Denzel Curry was sentimental too. I’m excited for what’s next—2025 is going to be a career-shifting year for me.”
The Power of Collaboration
As a multi-hyphenate creative, Eboka thrives on collaboration. Yet she never fears losing sight of her own vision. “I’m always obnoxiously myself,” she laughs.“I can’t imagine forsaking that, even if I tried.”
For Eboka, working with other creatives is an opportunity to learn more about herself. “When you collaborate, you see overarching themes and patterns that you might not have noticed on your own,” she says, emphasizing the power of creative exchange.
Fashion with a Purpose
For Eboka, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s an instrument of communication. akobe’s designs are a fusion of music, culture, and individuality, with each piece representing a different archetype of person. “Is this a North Boy or a Creative Kid vibe? Are they wearing this to Nostra or Club AM?” she muses.
These are the practical considerations that guide her designs, but they also reflect her belief in fashion as a tool for self-expression.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of akobe’s ethos. “Exclusivity is boring,” Eboka states. “I want to make fashion that anyone can wear, no matter who they are. My hope is for people to interpret the garments through their own personal style.”
The future is Bright
Looking ahead, Eboka is focused on building akobe into a global force—starting with Africa. “I want to conquer the continent before I take on the world,” she says, with plans to pop up in cities like Dakar and Accra. “Everyone’s done Paris. Can you make your stuff pop in Lagos? That’s my goal.”
As for future collaborations, she has her eye on making fashion accessible. “I’d love to work with Woolworths or Toughees,” she shares. “Creating something that’s punk and accessible to everyone—now that’s exciting.”
For aspiring creatives, Eboka’s advice is simple: never stop learning. “Study beyond the surface level,” she urges. “Dive deep into books about fashion, art, politics, and culture. Commit to learning—it’s the key to evolving as a creative.”
With akobe, Tinuke isn’t just making clothes—she’s making history. And she’s just getting started.